Ceteareth-20

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about ceteareth-20. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Ceteareth-20 is a non-ionic emulsifier made by attaching about 20 ethylene oxide units to plant-derived cetearyl alcohol. In ORY^® products, it helps oil and water blend into smooth, stable lotions, creams, and conditioners.

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that alkyl PEG ethers, including ceteareth-20, are safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141
  - What it shows: CIR safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: Ceteareth-20 is made by reacting cetearyl alcohol with ethylene oxide (ethoxylation). It is a water-loving (high-HLB) emulsifier that works with acids, salts, and cationic conditioners.

Verification: Supported. Ethoxylation can leave trace 1,4-dioxane, which manufacturers remove by vacuum stripping. New York State limits 1,4-dioxane to 10 ppm in cosmetics and 1 ppm in personal-care cleansing products.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141
  - What it shows: Describes chemistry.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
  - What it shows: New York 1,4-dioxane limits.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Ceteareth-20 suits all skin types at normal use levels.

Verification: Supported. CIR’s conclusion depends on formulating to avoid irritation. ORY^® offers PEG-free alternatives for customers who prefer them.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, ceteareth-20 helps build stable conditioners and hair creams and works alongside cationic conditioners.

Verification: Supported. This is a formulation role; ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141
  - What it shows: Reported hair-care uses.

5. Benefits

Claim: Ceteareth-20 creates stable, light, elegant lotions and creams and helps disperse oils and fragrance in water.

Verification: Supported. These are functional benefits for the product, not direct skin-treatment benefits.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141
  - What it shows: Describes functions.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Ceteareth-20 is used in ORY^® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics, and in syndet bars and liquid cleansers.

Verification: Supported. Use levels fall within the ranges CIR reviewed.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	1–4%	Lotions, creams, and cleansing lotions.
Haircare	0.5–3%	Conditioners, hair creams, leave-ins, and scalp lotions.
Handmade Soap line	1–5%	Syndet bars and liquid cleansers (not cold-process soap).
Cosmetics	1–3%	Foundations, BB creams, cream cleansers, and makeup removers.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141
  - What it shows: Reported uses.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
  - What it shows: 1,4-Dioxane limits.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
  - What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Claim: Versatile, reliable, compatible with most ingredients, and backed by CIR review.

Verification: Supported. A long-established emulsifier.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Claim: Ceteareth-20 is ethoxylated, which raises natural-standard and 1,4-dioxane considerations.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Ethoxylated (PEG-type). Excluded from COSMOS/Ecocert natural standards.
- 1,4-Dioxane. Ethoxylation can leave trace 1,4-dioxane; ORY^® requires low-residue grades that meet New York’s limits.
- Not for cold-process soap.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141
  - What it shows: Chemistry.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
  - What it shows: Limits.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY^® Handmade Soap line: This ingredient is not used in cold-process soap. Syndet, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner bars that contain it are cosmetics under FDA rules, not soap, and list all of their ingredients. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2012). Safety assessment of alkyl PEG ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5 Suppl), 169S–244S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444141

Government and regulatory sources

- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20

Shop Layouts

Detail Layouts

Detail Data

Login

Shop Layouts

Detail Layouts

Detail Data

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Newsletter

Ceteareth-20

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines